Wednesday, April 29, 2015

As you can tell I have a very difficult time being wordless on a Wednesday with Blogpaws -- however, I am capable of keeping people in line without even saying a tiny "woof!" Did I ever tell you I have been doing hard labor since I was a young pup? That's right, from day one, I was subjected to puppy labor practices that required great chihuahua sleuthing and management skills. Three such incidents were photo-captured - evidence which I've kept in a secret vault. I suspect the culprits threw the rest of the evidence photos away. No matter, if there's ever a question, let these photos speak for themselves!

Face Inspections

Nap Guarding

Bill Payment Management

If you ever need someone to help you keep people at your house in line, I'd be happy to give you a few tips. Just say "woof!" and I'm there!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

For the safety of our chihuahuas and chihuahua siblings, due to the Canine Flu outbreak, my Chihuahua group (South Suburban Chihuahua) cancelled our April meetup and events through May. We had 30 chihuahuas signed up, and seven on the wait list eagerly awaiting a spot. But being healthy and staying healthy is a priority. It is extremely rare for us to cancel a meetup, but it would be irresponsible and unsafe for us to have a meetup during a time when there is an epidemic where we don't yet have all the answers.

My doggie friend Sugar recently posted about this awful virus that is taking the Chicago area and surrounding cities by storm. Sadly, people are still frequenting dog parks, groomers and pet shops. Sugar's pawrents and mine both recently saw people with their dogs at local pet shops. Those thinking "it won't happen to me, my dog doesn't go to dog parks," are sadly mistaken. All they have to do is touch any surface where an infected pet or person who has it on their clothes, hands, or has been, and that person or pet brings it home to other pet siblings. Senior doggies like myself and Sugar, those with low immune systems and young pups, are more likely to have this hit us even harder. With this new strain, experts are recommending doggies get their shots because at least, the strength of the virus will be weakened and won't hit the dog as hard or long. But it's not just doggies, it's kitties too. As for me and my doggie siblings, Weasel (15yrs old), Daisy (8yrs old), Monkey (4yrs old) and our foster Teensy (9yrs old) we're under home quarantine. This means no outings past our backyard, until further notice. I don't even get to go with my momma anywhere in my carrier...but I understand why. Here is some of What we know:~ The virus can be symptom free on a dog for up to ten days, while still being highly contagious ~ If a person has had contact with other dogs that carry the virus, the virus can live on that person's clothes for up to 48 hours (different locations say different timings on this) and be spread to their own dogs (not people) ~ The virus can be spread in locations such as dog parks, grooming salons, boarding/day care, forest preserves, pet stores, places where lots of dogs go for walks ~ Cats can also catch it Here are some links:http://mediarelations.cornell.edu/2015/04/12/midwest-canine-influenza-outbreak-caused-by-new-strain-of-virus/?hc_location=ufihttp://abc7chicago.com/pets/bark-in-the-park-2015-canceled-by-dog-flu/644459/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/news/dog-flu-chicago.htm
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/news/20150408/dog-flu-outbreak http://www.chicagonow.com/steve-dales-pet-world/2015/04/dog-flu-epidemic-could-spread/ http://patch.com/illinois/evergreenpark/canine-flu-outbreak-shuts-down-evergreen-park-dog-parkAnd for those asking, yes, I did get my doggie shot -- going back next week for the booster.

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About Me

I was born January 1, 2007. I immediately began extensive training towards certification for the CGC, therapy, behavior and services. I visit and work with Silver Cross and South Suburban Hospitals, Ronald MacDonald House, Hines VA, nursing homes, schools, libraries, help children improve their reading skills and participate in health fairs and programs geared to bring therapy assistance to the community. You may have seen me in a commercial for the Lucy Pet Foundation, on the Hallmark Channel. I also appeared on DogTV's K9 Fit Club - their opening sequences (the little dog on the ball) and on two episodes of the program. I was also a WCIU TV Channel 26 Top Dog (twice), have been on a few commercials and appeared several times at the International Kennel Club Show in Chicago modeling. I love modeling, you may have seen me at Chicago's Fashion Fest run way show, Chicago Sun Times' Holiday Guide and several more (see the photos and videos on this site). American Dog Media Magazine featured me on their "Famous Dogs with Friends on Facebook" Pages and I have a community column about me in the Tinley Junction titled "Piranha's Tales" and run South Suburban Chihuahua group with over 200 members. We work with various charitable organizations, helping local shelters, rescues and fosters. I love to travel. Some of my favorite places are Colorado, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and my favorite is Marco Island. I enjoy going to see movies, ballet, sports events and live theater. I love school! I learned to hi-five, hide, roll-over, bang-bang, sit pretty, patty cake, take a bow, wave hello and shake paw. My favorite foods are bananas (of course), carrots and broccoli. I love my best friend Birdie (a cocker spaniel) fluffy blankets, floppy toys, sunshine on my belly and lying on fresh green grass.

Modeling at the International Kennel Club Show for Sophisticated Pup - 2012

Modeling at the International Kennel Club Show for Sophisticated Pup - 2013

Dancing for Anything Canine Boutique in California - 2012

Daisy

My crazy Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound mix sister. Daisy's bday is her rescued date 10/03/08. Before she came to live with us, we learned she was abused, kept outdoors with some vicious dogs and starved. She came with a lot of baggage and hates males. She pretty much does not like to play with others and only loves me and wants to be left alone (a la Greta Garbo). She is very bossy, feisty and bites! Weasel, Monkey and I just do what she says - and nobody gets hurt!

Monkey

My pain-in-the hind failed foster brother Monkey. Monkey's bday is April 06, 2011. Monkey's mother and father were given up because the owner had cancer. Monkey was taken in as a foster but was rejected when the families found he was too small. He soon developed severe bleeding (back there) which continued on for two months. Several hundreds of dollars later, my daddy said Monkey should just live with us forever (and that he loved him). Now I have a fun brother to play with. Though he sometimes annoys me, takes my food, my bed, my toys. Everything.